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##cietal Themes In Oroonoko, And Reflections Upon Marriage, By Mary Asteln

Decent Essays

Slavery There are many examples of societal themes throughout the readings assigned in the past few weeks. Many of these readings can be related to each other in the way that they share the same societal themes. These societal themes can also be shown throughout some stories and be told in many different ways. One societal theme that can be seen in a lot of these stories is the theme of economic trouble. Slavery can also fall under this theme. Slavery can be seen in the story Oroonoko, by Aphra Behn, and Reflections upon Marriage, by Mary Astell. This can be seen as a theme in these two stories in how they are presented, how it affects the time period of the author, and through the different techniques and styles they have. The societal theme of slavery can be seen in the story Oroonoko because in this story, Prince Oroonoko and his lover are sold into slavery. His lover, Imoinda, was sold into slavery first and it broke Oroonoko’s heart because he was told that she was put to death and he figured so. “Oroonoko replied, with a deep sigh and a languishing voice, ‘I am armed against their worst efforts-; for I know they will tell me, Imoinda is no more- and after that, you may spare the rest.’” (Oroonoko, pg. 2328-2329, para. 4) In reality, she was sold into slavery. “He therefore removes her from the Otan, with Onahal; whom he put into safe hands, with order they should both be sold off as slaves to another country, wither Christian or heathen; ‘twas no matter where.” (Oroonoko, pg. 2328, para. 1) It wasn’t long after that, that Oroonoko himself was sold into slavery when he was captured by the British. He was abused terribly and did not deserve to be a slave. Little did he know he would end up being one for the rest of his life. Eventually he was moved to a new province where he would continue to be a slave, but the man that he was a slave to, recognized the talents Oroonoko had and didn’t use him as a farm slave. “He reflecting on the last words of Oroonoko to the captain, and beholding the richness of his vest, no sooner came into the boat but he fixed his eyes on him; and finding something so extraordinary in his face, his shape and mien, a greatness of look and haughtiness in his air, and finding he

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